A Second Chance at Forever (Eleanor and Bernard) novel Chapter 1385

After Yates finished speaking, he rose from his seat and left the room. In the wake of his departure, Bernard felt the chilling countdown begin anew within his mind, the chip implanted in his brain ticking away with relentless persistence.

The countdown, along with his remarks about Eleanor’s pregnancy, served as a stark warning to Bernard—a reminder of the deal he had struck and Yates' threat that he was a man of his word, and that betrayal would not be tolerated.

Regardless of whether Bernard gave any hints or whether Eleanor could guess the direness of his situation, it was futile. Yates' condition was absolute: the two of them must part ways for good.

Otherwise, Yates could, at any moment and without a sound, endanger Eleanor's unborn child.

And the chip in Bernard's brain—it kept him tethered to Area Opaca, an invisible prison from which he could not escape.

Trapped in Area Opaca, he couldn't protect Eleanor or their child… He had to get out. He had to gather all the help he could find to deal with Yates and set everything back on track.

But for now, their time together was destined to end in parting.

The thought alone made Bernard's chest tighten, robbing him of breath, yet he kept his turmoil hidden, simply lifting his hand to remove the mask from his face.

At that same moment, Eleanor also took off her mask. Their eyes met, and both were filled with a sorrow too deep for words.

They remained silent, eyes locked, until the intrusive beeping of the countdown penetrated their quiet moment, pulling Bernard back to reality.

He stood before Eleanor, still weak from his ordeal, not crouching or sitting, just standing in the backlight.

"You…" Bernard's voice choked up as he started to speak, but he fought to keep his composure.

"Last time, you said it was over, that I'd never see you again. I thought…"

Eleanor looked up at him, squinting slightly as his silhouette was backlit, obscuring his expression, "Isn't it normal for couples to have fallouts and say harsh things in the heat of the moment? Are you still holding onto that?"

Hearing her say this, tears threatened to spill from Bernard's eyes, but he quickly shielded them with his long lashes, "How could I hold onto that?"

Eleanor, slightly uncomfortable from looking up, gestured to a nearby chair, patting the cushion invitingly for him to sit.